The SturmGewehr 44, literally Storm Rifle (Storm meaning assault), (also known as the MaschinenPistole 43 and MaschinenPistole 44) was a German select-fireassault rifle produced during the last years of World War 2.

Prototypes of StG. 44 were in advanced testing stages as early, as in 1942, but were never put into production until mid-1943 because of opposition from Hitler himself. Finally, to circumvent Hitler's opposition, manufacturers renamed their StG. 44 into MP43 and MP44, claiming them to be machine pistols as a cover from Hitler. The rifle was first used on a mass scale when a German battalion was surrounded by Soviets near Leningrad, so the Luftwaffe air-dropped many MP43s and the battalion fought their way out.

Confused, Hitler flew out to the front to inspect troops; he was surprised with this new gun and liked it so Hitler changed the name to SturmGewehr 44 and used it in his "wonder weapon program" to raise German moral. There is no clear indication why exactly Hitler was averse to this design, as the weapon was potent, nowadays as well as in those times.